Fee increases likely for Home Office Immigration Applications

It is likely that the Home Office fees for a number of immigration applications will go up from April 2005. This represents a huge increase in the fees charged by the Government for most types of immigration applications. The premium service fees for applications dealt with on the same day has doubled. The postal service fees in some cases have more than doubled.

It is interesting to note that from April 2005 it is likely that you will be able to make same day applications for leave to remain (immigration employment document holders). The lengthy processing times (about thirteen weeks) for leave to remain applications for immigration employment document holders which mainly covers those on a work permit or HSMP has caused serious problems for many people who are left without their passports for months and so are unable to travel outside of the UK. However, you will have to pay GBP500 to use the same day premium service.

A new study puts the UK immigration system in seventh place for its ability to attract, develop and retain highly-skilled foreign workers. The Global Talent Competitiveness Index, a study carried out...